I searched and couldn't find a thread that I didn't feel like I was hijacking.

Most were guys saying
"Yea, I'm getting a kewl big ol truck"

then everyone else sayin'
"hey don't wanna kill yer buzz but look at your wheels"

So, I got a '55 F-350 parts truck a while back and need you guys to help me ID the wheels on it.

I see rivets holding the center to the rim, and judging from the height of the lip, I'm guessing I've got *GASP*

WIDOW MAKERS!!!! AAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! deep breath AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! deep breath AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

ahh...

okay, now that I've regained my composure, can somebody confirm or deny that I have KILLER wheels? I think they're sick, tight, and phat myself, but then again, I, too, am sick, tight and fat...

disclaimer: all kidding aside. I'm not stupid and won't disrespect these wheels' potential for personal bodily harm until I confirm otherwise. I'd encourage anyone else to do the same.

Thanks in advance for you guys' willingness to share your experience and wisdom in all things Ford.

 

From your picture it doesn't look like a WM. I don't see the dreaded 1½" band on the concave side of the rim. Do you see a snap ring on the other side? The WM's have a very noticeable band on the convex side.

Click on the link below for a page on my web site with a description of the WMs:

Ford two piece rims

Usually if the tire size ends in a whole number like 18, 20 it is a multi-part rim. If it is a fractional size like 19½ or 22½ then it's a one piece tubeless tire. This rule isn't always followed in the smaller sizes.

 

Heck, even I couldn't find the post that had it, so here's another pic of it. Like Bob said, you want to look at yours to see if they have a raised band on the inside. Some, like in this pic, have the wheel center riveted to it, some have the center offset. The raised band is where the two halves of the WM overlap.

Your wheels have a 6 lug x 7.25" bolt circle. These are no long made. Replacement wheels will probably be our next conversation.
Attached Images
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/742532-rims.html
__________________
Stu
'52 F-3 Marmon-Herrington V-8
'52 F-3 Marmon-Herrington I-6


See if this helps you figure it out. Stu

 

thanks guys. I'll get back out there in the morning and see what I have.
JML

 

am I understanding what I'm reading in that a w-m w/ a flat won't hold together? I have a flat on the front and it held together on and off the trailer on ramps made of welded angle iron (big gaps).
I just gotta get out there in the am and have a look-see.
JML

 

No, the problem is their unpredictability under pressure. That too includes deflating or anything that can disturb the joint between the wheel's halves. After years of being flat you may actually play heck pulling them apart if the halves have rusted together. Any multi-part wheel depends on its components being in good shape. All the manufacturers said that their wheels must be straight, rust free, and with no road hazard damage to be kept in service. Obviously, as many WMs as they sold, they probably worked ok when new. But as wear, metal fatigue, and damage have occurred the wheels can no longer be trusted to hold together under pressure.

 

Gotcha. Thanks Stu.
I'm downin a cup of coffee and headin down there to see what we have.
JML

 

What size are the tires on it?

 

17" dia x 7-1/2" ?
they're splits. verified this morning.
JML

 

They're splits? I would've guessed solid, one piece wheels. From what I can make out in the photo, they look very similar to the 8x17.5 one piece wheels that are on my truck.

Learn something new every day.